How to Throw a ‘70’s Party

The 70’s was a decade of extremes. There were hippies and disco, either of which makes a great party theme—but a combination of the two can result in a groove-shaking good time. Begin planning well in advance of the event date so you’ll have time to find or create all the trappings and paraphernalia that will assure the authenticity of the time. So get down, boogie, get your groove on and hang loose while you plan the party your guests will talk about for years to come.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Invitations
• '70's clothing
• '70's music
• Face paint
• Beads
• Black light
• Beaded curtains
• Incense
• ‘70’s edition of Trivial Pursuit
• Disco ball (optional)
• Lava lamps (optional)
• Bean bag chairs (optional)
• Karaoke machine (optional)

1. Buy or create invitations reminiscent of the '70’s. These can be found at party stores, or you can download a happy face or a peace sign and create your own on your computer. Besides the usual party info, specify that all party guests must come decked out in '70’s drag. Suggests polyester, bell bottoms, fringed vests, leisure suits, platform shoes, beads, Afro wigs and other “big hair.” Suggest a trip to a thrift store or a look around relatives’ attics for appropriate attire.

2. Create a playlist of 70’s tunes from artists such as the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, ABBA, The Village People, Queen, Pink Floyd, Janis Joplin, the Doors and Fleetwood Mac. Soundtracks from Saturday Night Fever and Grease are sure winners. If you have satellite radio, you can just tune in to the station that plays non-stop '70’s music.

3. Rent DVDs of ‘70’s movies and television shows, such as Saturday Night Fever, Rocky, Charlie’s Angels, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Happy Days, Grease and the first few seasons of Saturday Night Live. If your television is in the main room, just turn the sound down so it doesn’t conflict with the music.

4. Decorate your home with lots of orange, yellow and lime green. If your budget is tight, you can make your own posters of peace signs, happy faces, and flowers, and burn some incense. If you have a bigger budget, rent a disco ball, and buy a couple of lava lamps and bean bag chairs. Other ‘70’s items you might find hidden in an attic include Rubik’s cubes, mood rings, pet rocks, beaded curtains, black lights and posters of the times.

5. Host a dance contest. The hustle, the bump and disco competitions will put a smile on every guest’s face. Buy or borrow the ‘70’s edition of Trivial Pursuit. If your budget allows, rent a karaoke machine and ‘70’s music.

Tips & Warnings

• The host should set the tone for the evening, so don’t skimp on your costume. Be outrageous.
• Take lots of digital photos and email them to guests after the party.